Many of you know that for the past 17 months I have been teaching a Ukrainian refugee from Kiev after she was forced from her home due to the war. I am now reaching out to help Viktoriia return to her home and family.
To briefly recap: One morning at the start of the war Viktoriia went to her basement to get some preserves for breakfast and a bomb hit her house. The explosion killed her husband and son. The trip to the basement saved Viktoriia's life but she suffered serious injuries. After surgery, she was sent to Norway for rehab and resettlement, and she is now almost 100%.
A nursing home near me in Wisconsin sponsored Viktoriia on a 2-year visa through the international agency U4U (Ukrainians for Ukrainians), and she has become a loved and valued kitchen employee there. I met Viktoriia as her English instructor, but we have become good friends.
In the blink of an eye, Viktoriia lost a husband, a son, a beautiful house on the river, everything she owned, and a successful corporate career. Yet everyone she meets is astounded by her smiling demeanor, drive to move forward in life, and hopes for a bright future for her family and country.
Viktoriia’s visa expires in July, so I am raising funds to help her get home and move on with her life. She is not inclined to accept anything for free and insists on paying her own way. She is frugal and has taken a second job, but every month she pays rent to the nursing home, sends money home to help her family, and contributes to support the Ukrainian soldiers. She simply cannot save enough. I have assured her that allowing me to send this request to all of you is a gift she is giving me.
Viktoriia's son's widow and two young grandchildren are still in Ukraine living in deplorable conditions (no heat and very limited utilities). Here is her beautiful granddaughter Katya decorating an ornament by firelight because there is no central heat or electricity.
Viktoriia would like to take the three of them out of the war zone into a neighboring country for the near future. She will have travel costs to get home, living expenses, relocation costs, and then expenses to settle before she can get a new job wherever they are accepted.
We are all heartbroken when we think of the children who suffer from wars, and so many of my friends and relatives have reached out to ask how they can help. Being able to make a difference to one family, on a personal level, is both rewarding and heartwarming. I would truly appreciate any help you can offer my friend Viktoriia. Peace.